Peter Mandelson is facing a possible police investigation after allegations that he leaked confidential government information to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during the 2008 financial crisis. New documents from the Epstein files show that Mandelson, then business secretary, sent emails containing market-sensitive information to Epstein, including details of government asset sales and bailout packages.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed it has received several reports alleging misconduct in a public office and is assessing whether to launch a criminal investigation. Commander Ella Marriott stated that the reports will be reviewed to determine if they meet the threshold for investigation.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered an investigation by the cabinet secretary and called for Mandelson to resign from the House of Lords. Former prime minister Gordon Brown also requested an inquiry into the alleged leaks. In parliament, MPs from the SNP and Reform UK have formally reported Mandelson to the police.
One email forwarded to Epstein contained a confidential document outlining £20 billion in asset sales. In another, Mandelson claimed he was "trying hard" to change government policy on bankers' bonuses. An imminent euro bailout package was also shared the day before its announcement in 2010.
Harriet Harman, former deputy Labour leader, described Mandelson's actions as casting "a stain" over politics and called for his removal from the Privy Council and the House of Lords. A former adviser called the conduct "treacherous." The emails were released as part of a vast cache of disclosures by the US Department of Justice.
